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The 7 types of demons as per mythology

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Feb 20, 2024, 16:09 IST
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Demons in mythology​

While the Gods, Princes, their amazing qualities and boons are discussed far and wide, one topic people shy away from are demons and their wrath. But, in many beliefs and across different mythologies, demons have been shown as just as powerful and at times even more powerful than the gods! Demons are malevolent, dark, and wicked supernatural beings who chose the path of darkness, chaos, and evil.


Here we list the 7 most common types of Demons in different mythologies.
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​Fiends

Fiends are one of the most famous types of demons across different mythologies. Simply put, Fiends are notorious, malevolent and wicked. Fiends are known to thrive on chaos and causing harm to humans and mortals is their favourite pastime. According to different folktales, fiends possess significant power, are cunning and employ their wickedness to torment and manipulate mortals. Found in various mythologies, fiends typically oppose gods and heroes, and are often central figures in tales involving temptation, betrayal, and moral decay.


3/8

​Succubi/Incubi

Succubi and Incubi are demons associated with seduction and sexual desires. These demons are believed to prey upon humans, often appearing in their dreams or under the guise of attractive individuals to seduce them and then slowly and steadily ruin their life. According to different lores and tales, the Succubi and Incubi drain the life force of individuals, cause extreme heartbreaks and at times haunt both their dreams and real life.
In mythology, Succubi and Incubi are often depicted as temptresses, luring their victims into acts of sin and excesses.

4/8

​Shadow creatures

Shadow creatures are one type of demon that find mention in almost every mythology. From the shadows that lurk in the dark to the ones that haunt people right in their homes.
According to different mythologies, these demons dwell in darkness, lurking in the shadows and feeding on fear and despair. Shadow creatures are also at times referred to as shapeless or shapeshifting, and have the ability to take on different forms. They could come in the form of your best friend, your parents, your dog or even as a simple wall-clock.
It is believed that shadow creatures give you nightmares, phobias, and represent the fears that haunt the human mind.

5/8

​Hellhounds

Who isnt aware of the famous Hellhounds? The scary, dark, many-headed dog that guards the gates of Hell.
In many mythologies hellhounds are demonic creatures often depicted as fearsome dogs or wolves with great powers. These creatures serve as guardians of the underworld or are companions to dark entities. In fact, some people even believe that hellhounds can be found with the ‘7 Kings of Hell’. According to popular belief, hellhounds are associated with death, destruction, and the hunt. They are relentless pursuers, tracking down souls or enemies and then serving them to their owners or masters.

6/8

​Pishachas

Majorly found in Indian folktales, Pishachas are evil spirits or demons that are often associated with darkness, death, and the ones who eat human flesh. Pishach are explained as being terrifying figures and having a distorted body and face. It is also said that Pishachas have an insatiable hunger for blood and flesh. They are believed to inhabit cremation grounds and other desolate places, preying upon the living and the dead alike.


7/8

​Revenants

Revenants are restless spirits or undead creatures who are driven by vengeance and hatred. It is said that these demons often arise from tragic or violent deaths, and are souls who are seeking retribution against those who wronged them in life. In many beliefs, a person who has died a violent or gruesome death is laid down with special honour so that he or she does not come back as a Revenant to avenge their death.
Revenants are associated with curses, hauntings and the ones who could attain peace due to past injustices on them.

8/8

​Asmodeus

Asmodeus is a well-known figure in many beliefs and mythologies. He is known for his extreme power, malevolence and his acts of deceit. He is believed to be one of the seven princes of Hell, and is shown as a seductive corrupter.
Asmodeus is believed to tempt individuals towards sinful deeds, exploiting their weaknesses and using them against his prey to manipulate and torment them. He is also depicted as a demon of lust and destruction in many other beliefs.

Top Comment
A
Aedes
310 days ago
What an awfully curated list, there is no concrete segregation criteria and the ranking is based on a random bunch of esoteric terms the author has came across
Read allPost comment
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